Friday, December 09, 2011

In July 2008 the Tomb Raider: Underworld cinematic teaser trailer debuted exclusively @ GameTrailers.com. The dramatic imagery of the recognisable Croft Manor in roll back destruction was accompanied by an isolated musical score:

The enigmatic piece is titled "Lacrimosa" and features as part of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's "Requiem Mass in D minor", completed in 1791, offering scope to the destruction of Lara's home. The classical era composer's works are world renowned and post 75 years of the prodigy's death (100 in some regions) they remain royalty free for any contributing artist to reproduce.

Thanks to some dectective work by NCFirebolt21, we think we've discovered the particular recording used in the trailer. A seemingly identical version of "Lacrimosa" appears as track #70 on the "99 Must-Have Mozart Masterpieces" compilation (iTunes | Amazon) published by Cobra Entertainment LLC not till June earlier this year. The recording is obviously edited down for use in the trailer.